Paladin Tops 2026 Kentucky Derby Rankings Ahead of Preps

Paladin has emerged as the consensus top contender for the 2026 Kentucky Derby following the latest rankings from Daily Racing Form, positioning the undefeated colt as the favorite ahead of this weekend's key prep races. The Chad Brown-trained horse, a son of Gun Runner, moved to the No. 1 spot after handicapper David Aragona cited the strengthening form of his rivals from the December Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct. Paladin has not raced since winning that Grade 2 event by two lengths, but the performance gained validation when runner-up Renegade captured the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs last Saturday by 3 3/4 lengths, earning a career-best 92 Beyer Speed Figure.

The rankings, compiled weekly by Aragona and reporter Mike Grening through analysis of speed figures, pedigrees, and training reports, place Todd Pletcher's Renegade in a tie for second at 12-1 odds, alongside stablemate Nearly, who dominated the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park by 5 3/4 lengths with a top Beyer of 98. Other notable risers include Bob Baffert's Plutarch, who advanced to eighth after a pace-setting victory in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita by three-quarters of a length, showcasing...